Adjustable hitch and method of use

ABSTRACT

Provided is an adjustable trailer hitch assembly and method of use that permits one person to controllably move the hitch within a plane of defined boundaries. Trailer hitch assembly includes one or more longitudinally extending assemblies for mounting under a vehicle, a cross-bracket assembly attached substantially perpendicularly with telescoping assemblies, a receiver portion slidable in said cross-bracket assembly, and a ballmount fixed with said receiver portion with a pin. Telescoping assemblies and cross-bracket assembly include control mechanisms, which may include motors and worm gear drives, to move the receiver portion longitudinally and latitudinally, respectively, thereby moving the ballmount and hitch ball within a predefined plane. An integral safety latch system is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is directed generally to a trailer hitch, and moreparticularly to an adjustable trailer hitch for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A trailer hitch for a vehicle typically comprises a hitch ballattached to a ballmount sized and configured to be received within areceiver at the rear of the vehicle. The trailer hitch is normallypositioned out of the sight of the vehicle driver, such that it isdifficult if not nearly impossible for the driver to align the hitchproperly relative to the tongue of a trailer. For this reason, usuallyone person drives the vehicle and another person is positioned at thetongue of the trailer to direct the driver regarding placement of thehitch relative to the trailer. Alternatively, the driver may repeatedlyenter and exit the vehicle to view the hitch connection in an effort toproperly position the vehicle relative to the trailer.

[0003] What is needed in the art is a trailer hitch that allows a singleperson to easily and reliably connect the tongue of a trailer to thehitch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Provided is an adjustable trailer hitch, which in one embodimentcomprises a longitudinally extending assembly comprising a stationaryportion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, and a translating portiontranslatingly attached to the stationary portion and adapted totranslate longitudinally relative to the stationary portion. In thisembodiment a first control mechanism is operatively attached to thelongitudinally extending assembly to controllably translate thetranslating portion longitudinally relative to the stationary portion.Also, a latitudinal cross bracket assembly is attached to thetranslating portion such that the latitudinal cross bracket assemblytranslates longitudinally when the translating portion translateslongitudinally. And a hitch receiver portion is translatingly attachedto the cross bracket assembly and adapted to translate latitudinallyrelative to the cross bracket assembly. Finally, a second controlmechanism is operatively attached to the receiver portion tocontrollably translate the receiver portion latitudinally relative tothe cross bracket assembly.

[0005] Other embodiments and modifications to the above embodiment areprovided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an adjustable trailer hitchassembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0007]FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of a receiver portionassembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0008]FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of a cross-bracket assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

[0009]FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a telescoping assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

[0010]FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an adjustable trailer hitchassembly according to another embodiment of the invention, in thelongitudinally retracted position.

[0011]FIG. 5B is an isometric view of the adjustable trailer hitchassembly of FIG. 5A in the longitudinally extended position.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the adjustable trailer hitch assemblyof FIG. 5A in the longitudinally retracted position (solid lines) and inthe longitudinally extended position (dashed lines).

[0013]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the adjustable trailer hitchassembly of FIG. 5A in the longitudinally extended position, and withthe receiver translated latitudinally left.

[0014]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the adjustable trailer hitchassembly of FIG. 5A in the longitudinally extended position, and withthe receiver translated latitudinally right.

[0015]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the cross-bracket assembly of theadjustable trailer hitch assembly of FIG. 5A.

[0016]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the main body of the cross-bracketassembly of FIG. 9.

[0017]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the stationary portion of thetelescoping assembly of the adjustable trailer hitch assembly of FIG.5A.

[0018]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the translating portion of thetelescoping assembly of the adjustable trailer hitch assembly of FIG.5A.

[0019]FIG. 13A is an isometric view of the receiver portion of theadjustable trailer hitch assembly of FIG. 5A.

[0020]FIG. 13B is a left side view of the receiver portion of FIG. 13A.

[0021]FIG. 14 is a side view of the adjustable trailer hitch assembly 10of FIG. 5A, with the safety latch in both latched and unlatched (dashedlines) positions.

[0022]FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the safety latch of FIG. 14.

[0023] FIGS. 16A-C are isometric views of an adjustable trailer hitchassembly in use according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the invention, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations andmodifications in the illustrated device, and further applications of theprinciples of the invention as illustrated therein, are hereincontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

[0025] The present invention is directed to adjustable trailer hitches,and is described below primarily in the context of adjustable trailerhitch assemblies using control mechanisms comprising electric motors andworm gear drives, particularly 12 volt motors. However, otherembodiments covered by the invention simply substitute for electricmotors and worm gear drives any suitable power source means, including,for example, 24, 110 or 220 volt motors, hydraulic motors,power-take-off mechanisms, or hand cranks, and any suitable powertransmission means, including, for example, worm gear drives,recirculating ball screw drives, rack and pinion mechanisms, and thelike. Hereafter the invention is described with respect to an exampleembodiment, 12-volt motors driving worm-gear mechanisms.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of an adjustabletrailer hitch assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the inventionis shown. Trailer hitch assembly 10 includes two parallel telescopingassemblies 30 that are typically mounted under a vehicle 20 (shown inFIGS. 16A-C) using brackets 35. A cross-bracket assembly 40 is attachedsubstantially perpendicularly to the telescoping assemblies 30 andincludes a receiver portion 50A and a ballmount 60 fixed to the receiverportion 50A with a pin 70. Ballmount 60 may include a hitch ball 65 andis adapted to be removably inserted into receiver portion 50A.Preferably, a removable ballmount 60 permits interchangeable use ofballmounts having hitch balls 65 of various sizes. Cross-bracketassembly 40 includes a motor 80, a worm gear drive 90, and a plugreceptacle 100 for receiving an electrical cord 105 for a controller 110that can be manipulated by a user via buttons, switches or the like tocause longitudinal and latitudinal movement of the receiver portion 50Aas described herein. In one embodiment the motor 80 is a 12-volt motorrated at 1,500 pounds, and is powered by a vehicle's 12-volt electricalsystem. Such a motor 80 is available from Atwood Mobile Products.

[0027] Worm gear drives 90 and motors 80 are attached to the ends oftelescoping assemblies 30 distal cross-bracket 40. The stationaryportions 31 (see FIG. 4) of telescoping assemblies 30 are fixedlyattached with brackets 35 to a vehicle and do not move relative to thevehicle 20 (shown in FIGS. 16A-C). Rather, translating portions 32 (seeFIG. 4) of telescoping assemblies 30 are telescopically attached withstationary portions 31, and extend and retract in the directionsdepicted by arrows 33 a (see FIG. 1) by any distance within the maximumextension and retraction range determined by the geometry and structureof telescoping assemblies 30. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 5Athe telescoping assemblies 30 and 30′ extend and retract in unison.Telescoping assemblies 30 and 30′ may be formed from any suitably strongmaterials, but steel weldments are preferred, designed per theconventional strength requirements of the desired hitch class (e.g., aClass I, II or III hitch).

[0028] The translating portions 32 (see FIG. 4) of telescopingassemblies 30 are also attached, substantially perpendicularly, tocross-bracket 40, and cause cross-bracket 40 to likewise extend andretract, as depicted by arrows 33 b (see FIG. 1). In one embodiment,cross-bracket 40 defines a window 44 through which the receiver portion50A projects. The boundaries of window 44 define the maximum lateralmovement of receiver portion 50A within cross-bracket 40, as depicted byarrows 57. Cross-bracket 40 may be formed from any suitably strongmaterial, such as steel. A worm gear drive 90 and motor 80 are attachedto one end of cross-bracket 40, and serve to laterally move, or slide,receiver portion 50A any lateral distance within a range, the maximumpossible range being defined by, for instance, the geometry of window44. Plug receptacle 100 is adapted to be operatively connected withcontroller 110.

[0029] All motors 80, and thus all longitudinal movements 33 andlatitudinal movements 57, are controllable by, for instance, controller110, which may include conventional switches and/or buttons, as known byone of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, plug receptacle 100could be replaced with a receiver of electromagnetic signals (notshown), and controller 110 could be replaced with a remote control (notshown) that emits electromagnetic signals for controlling motors 80.Alternatively, controller 110 could be mounted to, and/or integral with,trailer hitch assembly 10 or vehicle 20 (shown in FIGS. 16A-C).

[0030]FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of a receiver portion 50Aaccording to one embodiment of the invention. Receiver portion 50Aincludes a receiving member 55 defining an opening 56 for slidablyengaging a conventional ballmount 60 (shown in FIG. 1). Receiving member55 further defines apertures 58 for receiving and removably engaging aconventional receiver pin 70 (shown in FIG. 1), and clearance holes 54for clearing a worm drive gear 92 (shown in FIG. 3). Receiver portion50A may include a translating body 51, defining openings 59 into whichreceiving member 55 is fixed, for instance by welding. As with the otherportions of trailer hitch assembly 10, receiver portion 50A may beformed from any suitably strong materials, such as steel.

[0031] Receiver portion 50A may further include driven gears 52, adaptedto be driven by a worm drive gear 92 (shown in FIG. 3), and bulkheads 53mounted to lateral sides of translating body 51, where bulkheads 53receive driven gears 52. Driven gears 52 are adapted such that whenmating worm drive gear 92 (shown in FIG. 3) rotates within driven gears52, receiver portion 50A moves laterally left or right relative to saiddrive gear 92, depending on the direction of rotation of said drive gear92.

[0032]FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of a cross-bracket assembly40 according to one embodiment of the invention. Cross-bracket assembly40 comprises a body 42 defining a slot 46 (similar to window 44 shown inFIG. 1, but without lateral sides), and an end cover 48 attached to afirst lateral end. A motor 80 and worm gear drive 90 are attached with aplate 94 to a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end. Plate94 guides and/or receives a driving worm gear 92. Worm gear 92 extendsfrom the worm gear drive 90 at the second lateral end of body 42 to aworm gear bearing 96 attached with end cover 48 at the first lateral endof body 42. Through worm gear drive 90, motor 80 rotates driving wormgear 92 about its longitudinal axis in both rotational directions, thusdriving the driven gears 52 in portion 50A (shown in FIG. 2) left andright, and thus laterally moving receiver portion 50A left and rightrelative to cross-bracket assembly 40. Motors 80, gear drives 90, plates94, and end covers 48 may be attached to their respective mating partswith any suitable fasteners, such as bolts, to permit disassembly andservice of internal components, or may be permanently affixed viawelding, etc., where disassembly is not required. Likewise, telescopingassemblies 30 may be attached to cross-bracket assembly 40 via suitablystrong fasteners or via welding.

[0033]FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a telescoping assembly 30according to one embodiment of the invention. Telescoping assembly 30includes a stationary portion 31 and a translating portion 32. Thestationary portion 31 is attachable to a vehicle 20 (shown in FIGS.16A-C) via., e.g., brackets 35 (shown in FIG. 1). A motor 80 and wormgear drive 90 are attached to the stationary portion 31 via a plate 94.The worm drive system in telescoping assembly 30 may be similar to thatin cross-bracket 40. Motor 80, through gear drive 90, rotates worm drivegear 92, thus longitudinally translating driving driven gears 52 matedwith worm drive gear 92. Alternatively or in conjunction with motor 80,a manual drive system may be provided, whereby the worm drive gear 92can be rotated manually be an operator, for instance by a hand crank 81.Such a manual drive system could also be provided to operatecross-bracket assembly 40 (shown in FIG. 3). Driven gears 52 are fixedlymated with the translating portion 32 of telescoping assembly 30, suchthat translating portion 32 translates along with driven gears 52 whenworm drive gear 92 rotates. Translating portion 32 thus translateslongitudinally distally or proximally relative to stationary portion 31depending on the direction of rotation of drive gear 92. Translatingportion 32 includes an end cover 38 that is attached with cross-bracketassembly 40 (shown in FIG. 3), such that cross-bracket assembly 40translates longitudinally distally or proximally relative to stationaryportion 31 (and thus relative to vehicle 20, shown in FIGS. 16A-C) alongwith translating portion 32. By combining one or more longitudinallytelescoping assemblies 30 with the latitudinally extending receiverportion 50A (via cross-bracket 40), ballmount 60 and hitch ball 65(shown in FIG. 1) can be moved to an infinite number of positions withina plane of defined boundaries.

[0034]FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an adjustable trailer hitchassembly 10′ according to another embodiment of the invention. Unlessotherwise specified, the embodiment of FIG. 5A shares the structure andfunctionality of previously discussed embodiments. FIG. 5A showstelescoping assemblies 30′ fully retracted, whereas FIG. 5B showstelescoping assemblies 30′ extended. FIG. 6 provides a top view of theadjustable trailer hitch assembly 10′ of FIG. 5A, both longitudinallyretracted 101 and extended 102 (dashed lines). FIGS. 7 and 8 show theadjustable trailer hitch assembly 10′ of FIG. 5A with receiver portion50B translated laterally left and right, respectively, as depicted byarrows 57. The longitudinal range of motion 33 (shown in FIG. 6)combined with the latitudinal range of motion 57 (shown in FIGS. 7 and8) together define a plane within which a receiver 50B can becontrollably positioned relative to a vehicle 20 (shown in FIGS. 16A-C).

[0035]FIG. 9 provides a detailed view of the cross-bracket assembly 40′of the adjustable trailer hitch assembly 10′ of FIG. 5A. Cross-bracketassembly 40′ comprises a body 401 (shown in FIG. 10) defining a slot 402and fastener holes 403. Body 401 can be formed from any suitablematerial, such as 4 inch by 4 inch square steel tubing with ¼ inch wallthickness. Cross-bracket assembly 40′ may include flanges 406 forattaching cross-bracket assembly 40′ to telescoping assemblies 30′ withsuitable fasteners. Flanges 406 can be formed from any suitablematerial, such as 5½ inch wide ¼ inch thick steel plate, and can bewelded to cross-bracket assembly 40′. Cross-bracket assembly 40′includes abutments 404, 405 (shown in FIG. 9) to limit the lateraltravel of receiver portion 50B (shown in FIG. 5B) within cross-bracketassembly 40′. Abutments 404, 405 may be fastened within cross-bracketassembly 40′ through fastener holes 403. Abutments 404, 405 may beformed from any suitable material, such as {fraction (3/16)} inch wallthickness 3½ inch square steel tubing.

[0036]FIG. 11 shows a stationary portion 31′ of telescoping assemblies30′ (shown in FIG. 5B). Stationary portions 31′ are fixedly attached viabrackets 35 (shown in FIG. 1) or other means to a vehicle 20 (shown inFIGS. 16A-C). Stationary portions 31′ are formed from a longitudinallyextending body 310, which can be formed from any suitable material, suchas ¼ inch wall thickness 4 inch square steel tubing. Welded or otherwiseattached to stationary portions 31′ are brackets 314 to which safetylatch 200 (discussed below) is pivotally attached. A flange 311 isprovided on one end of each stationary portion 31′ for mounting wormgear drives 90 and motors 80 (shown in FIG. 5B). Fastener holes 312 maybe provided in flange 311 for fastening worm gear drives 90 and motors80 to stationary portions 31′, and one or more clearance holes 313 maybe provided in flange 311 as necessary for the worm gear drives 90 andmotors 80.

[0037]FIG. 12 shows a translating portion 32′ of telescoping assembly30′ (shown in FIG. 5B). Translating portions 32′ slide into and aretranslatingly attached via worm gear drives (such as the mechanism shownin FIG. 4) to stationary portions 31′ (shown in FIG. 11). Translatingportions 32′ are formed from a longitudinally extending body 320, whichcan be formed from any suitable material, such as {fraction (3/16)} inchwall thickness 3½ inch square steel tubing. Welded or otherwise attachedto translating portions 32′ are flanges 323 for mounting translatingportions 32′ to the flanges 406 of cross-bracket assembly 40′ (shown,e.g., in FIG. 6). Fastener holes 324 may be provided in flange 323 forfastening translating portions 32′ to the flanges 406 of cross-bracketassembly 40′, and one or more clearance holes 322 may be provided inflange 323 as necessary for the worm gear drives 90 and motors 80 (shownin FIG. 5B). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 flange 323 is positioneda short distance away from the end of the longitudinally extending body320, thereby providing an interlocking male interface with flange 406 ofcross-bracket assembly 40′ (see FIG. 9).

[0038]FIG. 13A is an isometric view of the receiver portion 50B used inconjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 13B is aright-side view of same. Receiver portion SOB comprises a latitudinallyextending portion 501 that translates latitudinally within the body 401of cross-bracket assembly 40′ (shown in FIGS. 7-8). The latitudinallyextending portion 501 may be formed from any suitable material, such as{fraction (3/16)} inch wall thickness 3½ inch square steel tubing, andhas one or more side plates 502 with one or more clearance holes 503 forclearing a worm drive gear 92 (shown in FIG. 3). Receiver portion SOBfurther comprises a receiving member 504 defining an opening 507 forslidably engaging a conventional ballmount 60 (shown in FIG. 1).Receiving member 55 further defines apertures 506 for receiving andremovably engaging a conventional receiver pin 70 (shown in FIG. 1).Receiver portion 504 is fastened to latitudinally extending portion 501,for instance by welding.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a side view of the adjustable trailer hitch assembly10′ of FIG. 5A, and depicts a safety latch 200 in both latched 201 andunlatched 202 (dashed lines) positions. Safety latch 200 is depictedseparately in FIG. 15. Safety latch 200 may comprise a bent plate 210adapted to wrap at least partially around cross-bracket assembly 40′ tolimit longitudinal movement of cross-bracket assembly 40′ when safetylatch 200 is in the latched position. Bent plate 210 can be formed fromany suitable material, such as ¼ inch thick steel plate. Safety latch200 may also define a recess 215 that at least partially surroundsreceiver portion assembly 50B (shown in FIGS. 13A-B) when safety latch200 is in the latched position to limit latitudinal movement of receiverportion assembly 50B (as shown in FIG. 5A). Pipe sections 250 areattached to safety latch 200, for instance by welding, and can be formedfrom ½ inch diameter steel pipe.

[0040] Safety latch 200 may pivot about a shaft 220 that is pivotallyattached with adjustable trailer hitch assembly 10, with the anglethrough which safety latch 200 pivots limited by abutments 240, as shownin FIG. 14. For example, shaft 220 can be formed from 1 inch diametersteel pipe, and abutments 240 can be formed from ⅝ inch square steelbar. Safety latch 200 includes a plate 230 that contacts cross-bracketassembly 40′ when cross-bracket assembly 40′ is retracted, thus causingsafety latch 200 to pivot toward the latched position when cross-bracketassembly 40′ is retracted. When cross-bracket assembly 40′ is fullyretracted 101, safety latch 200 is pivoted toward the latched position201, and pipe sections 250 attached to safety latch 200 can be alignedwith pipe section 260 attached to cross-bracket assembly 40′. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 13A-B, the receiver portion assembly 50B mustbe centered in cross-bracket assembly 40′ before cross-bracket assembly40′ is retracted, so that receiver portion assembly 50B fits into recess215 of safety latch 200. Once the pipe sections 250 and 260 are aligned,a safety pin 70 (shown in FIG. 1) can be assembled with pipe sections250 and 260, thereby locking together safety latch 200 and cross-bracketassembly 40′, and surrounding receiver portion assembly 50B with safetylatch 200, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0041] An embodiment of an adjustable trailer hitch assembly 10 and/or10′ will now be described in use. As shown in FIG. 16A, a vehicle 20with an adjustable trailer hitch assembly 10′ attached thereto is movedadjacent a trailer 21. However, the hitch ball 65 may not be directlyunder the trailer tongue 66. Thus, the adjustable trailer hitch assembly10 or 10′ may be activated to translate the cross-bracket assembly 40′longitudinally toward the trailer tongue 66 to an extended position 33(shown in FIG. 16B). Alternatively or in conjunction with longitudinaltranslation of cross-bracket assembly 40′, the adjustable trailer hitchassembly 10 or 10′ may be activated to translate receiver portion 50Blaterally left or right, respectively, as depicted by arrow 57.

[0042] Once the adjustable trailer hitch assembly 10 or 10′ has beencontrollably activated to position the hitch ball 65 beneath thecorresponding trailer tongue 66, the trailer tongue 66 can be loweredonto and engaged with hitch ball 65, as shown in FIG. 16B. Once trailertongue 66 is engaged with hitch ball 65, adjustable trailer hitchassembly 10 or 10′ can be returned to a retracted and centered positionby reversing the longitudinal and lateral movements described above. Inone embodiment a single input, such as a reset button, causes theadjustable trailer hitch assembly 10 or 10′ to automatically return to aretracted and centered position, as shown in FIG. 16C. The circuitry andalgorithm necessary to provide such an automatic return feature arestandard and need not be described. In one embodiment the adjustabletrailer hitch assembly 10′ includes a safety latch 200 that engagescross-bracket assembly 40′ when the adjustable trailer hitch assembly10′ is centered and retracted. In this case the person may secure thesafety latch 200 via a pin 70 (shown in FIG. 1) or some other suitablemeans.

[0043] While one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the sameis to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, itbeing understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention are desired to be protected. Moreover, variousdetails regarding the selection of materials and components, andfabrication and mounting of the adjustable trailer hitch assembly havebeen omitted, since such information would be known to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable trailer hitch, comprising: alongitudinally extending assembly comprising a stationary portionadapted to be fixed to a vehicle, and a translating portiontranslatingly attached to the stationary portion and adapted totranslate longitudinally relative to the stationary portion; a firstcontrol mechanism operatively attached to the longitudinally extendingassembly to controllably translate the translating portionlongitudinally relative to the stationary portion; a latitudinal crossbracket assembly attached to the translating portion such that thelatitudinal cross bracket assembly translates longitudinally when thetranslating portion translates longitudinally; a hitch receiver portiontranslatingly attached to the cross bracket assembly and adapted totranslate latitudinally relative to the cross bracket assembly; and, asecond control mechanism operatively attached to the receiver portion tocontrollably translate the receiver portion latitudinally relative tothe cross bracket assembly.
 2. The adjustable trailer hitch of claim 1wherein the first control mechanism comprises a motor.
 3. The adjustabletrailer hitch of claim 1 wherein the second control mechanism comprisesa motor.
 4. The adjustable trailer hitch of claim 1 further comprising amotor operatively attached to one of the first control mechanism and thesecond control mechanism.
 5. The adjustable trailer hitch of claim 4further comprising a second motor attached to the other of the firstcontrol mechanism and the second control mechanism.
 6. The adjustabletrailer hitch of claim 1 wherein the longitudinally extending assemblyis adapted to extend telescopically.
 7. The adjustable trailer hitch ofclaim 1 wherein the longitudinally extending assembly comprises morethan one translating portion.
 8. The adjustable trailer hitch of claim 1further comprising a controller operatively connected to at least one ofthe first control mechanism and the second control mechanism.
 9. Theadjustable trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said longitudinallyextending assembly further comprising a worm gear disposed between saidstationary portion and said translating position.
 10. The adjustabletrailer hitch of claim 1 further comprising a worm gear operativelydisposed between said latitudinally cross bracket assembly and saidhitch receiver position.
 11. The adjustable trailer hitch of claim 1 inwhich the first control mechanism transmits power through a first wormgear and the second control mechanism transmits power through a secondworm gear.
 12. The adjustable trailer hitch of claim 1 furthercomprising a safety latch pivotally attached to the stationary portion,the safety latch including a portion adapted to contact thecross-bracket assembly when the cross-bracket assembly is retracted,said contact causing the safety latch to pivot toward a latchedposition.
 13. The adjustable trailer hitch receiver assembly of claim 13wherein the safety latch comprises a first pin receiving portion and thecross-bracket assembly comprises a second pin receiving portion, and thefirst pin receiving portion is aligned with the second pin receivingportion when the safety latch is in the latched position such that a pincan be engaged in both the first and second pin receiving portions. 14.A method of connecting a vehicle to a trailer, comprising the steps of:moving a vehicle with an adjustable trailer hitch so that the adjustabletrailer hitch is substantially adjacent a trailer tongue; controllablymoving the trailer hitch laterally and longitudinally relative to thevehicle to a position aligned with the trailer tongue; and, engaging thetrailer hitch with the trailer tongue.
 15. The method of claim 15further comprising the step of moving the trailer hitch to a retractedand centered position.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising thestep of securing a safety latch with said trailer hitch.
 17. The methodof claim 15 further comprising the steps of moving the trailer hitch toa retracted and centered position and securing the safety latch withsaid trailer hitch.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the adjustabletrailer hitch includes: a longitudinally extending assembly comprising astationary portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, and a translatingportion translatingly attached to the stationary portion and adapted totranslate longitudinally relative to the stationary portion; a firstcontrol mechanism operatively attached to the longitudinally extendingassembly to controllably translate the translating portionlongitudinally relative to the stationary portion; a latitudinal crossbracket assembly attached to the translating portion such that thelatitudinal cross bracket assembly translates longitudinally when thetranslating portion translates longitudinally; a receiver portiontranslatingly attached to the cross bracket assembly and adapted totranslate latitudinally relative to the cross bracket assembly; and, asecond control mechanism operatively attached to the receiver portion tocontrollably translate the receiver portion latitudinally relative tothe cross bracket assembly.
 19. An adjustable trailer hitch, comprising:longitudinally extending means comprising stationary means adapted to befixed to a vehicle, and translating means translatingly attached to thestationary means and adapted to translate longitudinally relative to thestationary means; first control means operatively attached to thelongitudinally extending means to selectively translate the translatingmeans longitudinally relative to the stationary means; latitudinal crossbracket means attached to the translating means such that thelatitudinal cross bracket means translates longitudinally when thetranslating means translates longitudinally; receiver meanstranslatingly attached to the cross bracket means and adapted totranslate latitudinally relative to the cross bracket means; and, secondcontrol means operatively attached to the receiver means to selectivelytranslate the receiver means latitudinally relative to the cross bracketmeans.